Coming Up for Air — A Toolkit to Help with Your Loved One's Recovery from Addiction & Mental Illness

When a Loved One suffers from addiction, part of the complicated web of emotions we experience involves feeling sorry for them. A Loved One struggling with the influence of drugs or alcohol is not in their "right mind," and can often play on those chords—inviting us to feel sorry for them, in order to extract from us what they need in that moment. As the family of a Loved One with SUD, we can also be vulnerable to feeling sorry for ourselves, given the high stress and heartache that are part of nearly every day. What are these feelings? Where do they come from? Is there anything to do about them, and can they be useful? Laurie and Annie dive into the topic with their usual passion and curiosity, giving examples from their own lives as well as helpful guidance. Tune in! A membership at Allies in Recovery brings you into contact with experts in the fields of recovery and treatment for drug and alcohol issues. Our learning platform introduces you to CRAFT and guides you through the best techniques for unblocking the situation. Together we will move your loved one towards recovery. Learn more here. http://alliesinrecovery.net/#benefits

In today's episode Annie and Laurie touch on awareness being low when it comes to how many families are struggling with an addicted or chemically dependent Loved One. They discuss what to be aware of ahead of time versus becoming aware through a wake up call. From how addiction starts, what specific signs to look for, how each of them would have handled a few things different had they known a thing or two like they do now...and how to handle someone in your orbit, such as a coworker, neighbor, relative or friend, that may have this going on with their son, daughter or other Loved One.

In this week's podcast episode Annie and Laurie interview recently retired Judge Scott Vanderkarr, from Columbus, Ohio's Drug Court. Scott left the bench to spread the word about Drug Courts being needed in every court setting across the nation. With a background as a Prosecuting Attorney and his days as a judge, Scott did not expect to find himself affected by the opiate epidemic on a personal level. Tune in to hear his moving account of the close relationship he developed with a young man who later died of an overdose. Scott tells us about all he is currently doing to bring hope and change to families who are dealing with the crisis of addiction. A membership at Allies in Recovery brings you into contact with experts in the fields of recovery and treatment for drug and alcohol issues. Our learning platform introduces you to CRAFT and guides you through the best techniques for unblocking the situation. Together we will move your loved one towards recovery. Learn more here. http://alliesinrecovery.net/#benefits

Your addicted loved one needs treatment. Motivation may not be great. You may have heard that the the family is powerless over the situation. Or you may be looking for a magic, instantaneous solution and fear that things are so dire that you don't have time to try anything "soft" or "gradual." Laurie and Annie, who have both successfully shepherded their loved ones into treatment, share how-to's for families facing this dilemma. Along with what worked well, they also point out what didn't. All the while acknowledging that different families need different solutions. Join the Allies in Recovery member site today for full, unlimited access to our e-learning platform, expert guidance, and the chance to connect with others in your situation. Learn more here. http://alliesinrecovery.net/#benefits

In this week's episode Laurie and Annie talk about those we know who seem content in misery, hanging pictures and inviting company down into their pit with them. Outside of being in the midst of trauma or grief, there are times we can decide not to see things negatively. Why do we return to situations we do nothing but complain about? This week's short podcast ends with a list from Psychology Today of symptoms and signs that one might be a "chronically unhappy person."Join our Member Site today to take full advantage of Allies in Recovery’s program, including 8 video modules, three blogs, and dialogue with experts in the fields of treatment and recovery. Learn more here. http://alliesinrecovery.net/#benefits

In this week's episode, Laurie and Annie discuss the differences between dealing with a relative or partner struggling with SUD, versus a son or daughter. They explore why we are so easily hurt and inflamed in the midst of it all. Why do others just not get it? And why are some people mean, particularly to someone who is down? Are they the enemy? Tune in to this week's informative, relatable conversation!For unlimited access to Allies in Recovery's online learning platform featuring our 8 Video Learning Modules, join today. Learn more here. http://alliesinrecovery.net/#benefits

In this week's episode, Laurie and Annie discuss patterns of conflict that repeat within our lives, sometimes without our realizing it. With recovery and peace as the goal, your hosts discuss strategies for not engaging in chaos and negativity.A membership at Allies in Recovery brings you into contact with experts in the fields of recovery and treatment for drug and alcohol issues. Our learning platform introduces you to CRAFT and guides you through the best techniques for unblocking the situation. Together we will move your loved one towards recovery. Learn more here. http://alliesinrecovery.net/#benefits

What is accountability and why is it important for families facing SUD? In this episode, Laurie goes over the meaning of accountability and how a movement of consequences for our kids began some years ago that included a level of shame and punishment that does not work. Your hosts discuss experiences with accountability including apologizing to their sons for handling them with fear and shaming tactics. Great episode for those who are ready to "drop the weapons" and approach their loved one with wisdom, compassion, love and hope!A membership at Allies in Recovery brings you into contact with experts in the fields of recovery and treatment for drug and alcohol issues. Our learning platform introduces you to CRAFT and guides you through the best techniques for unblocking the situation. Together we will move your loved one towards recovery. Learn more here: http://alliesinrecovery.net/#benefits

In today's Coming Up for Air episode, Annie and Laurie discuss the effects of broken trust. They look at the big picture of addiction entering the home of a family who did "all the right things," to family and friends damaging our trust, and how Substance Use Disorder (SUD) and deception often go hand in hand. They ponder who to trust, what to trust, how to trust again and how to look at the enormous topic of Trust when it comes to recovering from the trauma of addiction in a family. Tune in to this week's episode for encouraging information!Join the Allies in Recovery member site today for full, unlimited access to our e-learning platform, expert guidance, and the chance to connect with others in your situation. Learn more here. http://alliesinrecovery.net/#_benefits

Regardless the holidays or traditions you observe, this time of year can be trying, triggering and even traumatic. In this special holiday podcast, Laurie MacDougall and Annie Highwater take apart the often looming, overwhelming effect of "the Holidays" - from how our own expectations affect reality, what role nostalgia plays, how honest we are about those in our entourage who are struggling with SUD, and the heavy duty emotions that often come up for many of us during this time, this conversation will allow you to look at the holiday season from a different angle. A membership at Allies in Recovery brings you into contact with experts in the fields of recovery and treatment for drug and alcohol issues. Our learning platform introduces you to CRAFT and guides you through the best techniques for unblocking the situation. Together we will move your loved one towards recovery. Learn more here. http://alliesinrecovery.net/#_benefits